I would find a solution, a way to bridge that seemingly unbridgeable divide, and until then, Codric and I would have to make do with letters and occasional phone calls.
"To all of us, doing our best with what we have." Jayron raised his teacup in a mock toast.
We all raised our cups, including Jaida.
"Now then," Milly said, "about these sleeping arrangements?—"
"Mom, we've covered this," Kailin bristled.
"I was just going to say that there are fresh linens and extra blankets in the hall closet." She cast me a smile. "The nights here can be chilly for someone who is used to milder weather."
6
KAILIN
"Trust is like crystal—beautiful and clear when whole, but once cracked, it can never be perfectly mended."
—From 'Reflections on Service'
By Commander Lydia Ashford
"It's not too crowded tonight," Dylon observed as we entered the bar at the Pilgrim's Lodge.
He was right. A handful of locals occupied the main room, some older men nursing ales and playing cards, and the younger ones nursing the same ale but without cards. I spotted a few who didn't look like they were from Skywatcher's Point, and since the pilgrimages were over for the year, I assumed they were just passing through.
Ravel had hinted that he had men with him to protect me, but these men weren't riders.
Riders looked young no matter how old they were, and these guys were older. I resolved to keep an eye on them.
"Commander Ravel is over there." Alar pointed toward the back corner, where Ravel was sitting in a large booth all by himself.
It was obvious that he'd chosen the spot for its strategic advantage. It gave him clear views of both the main entrance and the kitchen access, with solid walls protecting his back.
He waved us over. "Please, join me."
When we did, he lifted a hand to call for the server, and the young woman responded immediately.
"What can I get for you?" She smiled while giving Ravel an appreciative once-over.
"Four ales," he ordered. "And some bread and cheese."
"Coming right up." She cast him another charming smile and then sauntered away with an exaggerated sway of hips.
To his credit, Commander Ravel didn't even follow her with his eyes. Although why not?
He was single and on leave. He could have easily gotten her to spend the night with him.
"You have an admirer, Commander," Dylon said.
Ravel didn't deign to respond to Dylon's teasing, even with a smile. "I hope you kept your eyes and ears open on the way here."
"We did," Dylon patted his jacket where his handgun was holstered. "I'm not taking chances with my sister's life."
Ravel leaned back and regarded Alar and me with an impassive expression on his handsome face. "The truth is that we don't know who is in more danger, Kailin or Alar and Codric."
I frowned. "Why would Alar and Codric be in danger?"
"We've made some disturbing discoveries." Ravel paused as the server returned with our drinks, waiting until she was well out of earshot before continuing. "The explosives used onthe trail were different from those used in the village square bombing. They weren't planted by the same people." He took a sip from his ale. "The square bombing was done with Sitorian-made explosives, but the charges that collapsed the trail and triggered the avalanche were Elucian military grade."
